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Rogues & Gentlemen #7
To Tame a Savage Heart
Lucretia ‘Crecy’ Holbrook has a secret, a secret she has kept for many years. Even her dearest confident and sister, Belle, would not understand what Crecy is prepared to do, the risks she is prepared to take, to get her heart’s desire.
For Crecy is not like the other smiling débutantes; she despises poetry, thinks dancing a chore and is quite prepared to throw something at the next fool to compare her to Aphrodite.
Far more likely to return from a country walk with a badger’s skull and some bloody, injured creature than a posy of wildflowers, Crecy is drawn to the dark, the damaged, and the unlovable.
Her heart longs for one man alone, one with a wounded soul, one so dreadfully damaged that even her tender care might not be enough to save him.
Viscount Demorte is everything she dreams of.
With a reputation that covers blackmail, murder and madness, cruelly handsome Lord Gabriel Greyston, Viscount Demorte, is far more dangerous than any wounded dog, and his bite … just might leave Crecy ruined beyond repair.
For Crecy is not like the other smiling débutantes; she despises poetry, thinks dancing a chore and is quite prepared to throw something at the next fool to compare her to Aphrodite.
Far more likely to return from a country walk with a badger’s skull and some bloody, injured creature than a posy of wildflowers, Crecy is drawn to the dark, the damaged, and the unlovable.
Her heart longs for one man alone, one with a wounded soul, one so dreadfully damaged that even her tender care might not be enough to save him.
Viscount Demorte is everything she dreams of.
With a reputation that covers blackmail, murder and madness, cruelly handsome Lord Gabriel Greyston, Viscount Demorte, is far more dangerous than any wounded dog, and his bite … just might leave Crecy ruined beyond repair.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2018
1142 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
About the author
Emma V. Leech
114 books799 followersBestselling author hiding mostly in 19th-century England, venturing out only for chocolate and tea.
Emma V. Leech is the award-winning author of multiple bestselling series across Regency romance, Regency mystery and paranormal romance. Fall in love with swoon-worthy rogues, bold heroines, witty banter and deeply romantic happily-ever-afters. Follow Emma on BookBub for new releases and exclusive deals.
EMMA’S BOOKS
Rogues And Gentlemen
Regency romance – 17-book series (ongoing)
Sexy, tumultuous and irresistibly romantic. From pirates and smugglers to earls and dukes, these unforgettable rogues will sweep you away!
Winter Rogue
A Regency Christmas romance within the Rogues & Gentlemen world
A scandal-weary earl, a runaway heiress and a crumbling country estate snowed in for Christmas. A sensual, heart-tugging holiday novella about redemption, desire and a love neither of them expects.
A Rogues and Gentlemen Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
A collection of three romantic holiday stories featuring beloved Rogues & Gentlemen characters. Expect snowstorms, sizzling tension, unexpected proposals, mistletoe moments and heart-melting happily-ever-afters – a cosy festive escape for Regency romance lovers.
The Girl Is Not For Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
Miss Olivia Penrose is the only thing standing between her family and ruin when a brooding aristocrat crashes into her carefully laid plans. Sparks fly amid family secrets, snowy scandals and irresistible festive longing in this passionate, witty and deeply romantic winter read.
Girls Who Dare
Regency romance – 12-book series
Inside every wallflower is the heart of a lioness. When these overlooked young women make a pact to change their lives, rules are broken, reputations are risked and love becomes the most daring adventure of all.
Daring Daughters
Victorian romance – 19-book series and two compilations
The next generation of the Girls Who Dare. Their mothers risked everything for love – now their daughters are ready to be even bolder. An ongoing series of fiercely romantic stories set in a rapidly changing world.
Wicked Sons
Victorian romance – 12-book series
Their mothers dared all for love. Their sisters did the same. Now it’s the sons’ turn… dangerous, tempting and determined not to fall – until the right woman brings them to their knees.
The Venturesome Ladies Of Little Valentine
Regency romance – my current series
A quiet seaside village, a wave of scandalous newcomers and local ladies who refuse to be swept aside. A warm, witty Regency series full of secrets, second chances and delicious enemies-to-lovers romance.
The Regency Romance Mysteries
Regency romantic suspense – 3-book series
Dashing heroes, wicked villains, murder, mystery – and heroines who refuse to sit prettily and wait to be rescued. Perfect if you like your Regency romance served with danger and intrigue.
The French Vampire Legend
Paranormal romance – 4-book series
A dark, dramatic and heart-wrenching tale of courage, sacrifice and a love that not even time, war or monsters can destroy. Gothic atmosphere, high stakes and a romance that refuses to die.
The French Fae Legend
Fantasy romance – 4-book series
An award-winning saga with close to sixteen million online reads. Moving between modern-day France and the Fae Lands, these books weave powerful magic, danger and an all-consuming love that proves stronger than any enchantment.
The Book Lover
A standalone paranormal romance novella
A book-obsessed young woman, an infuriatingly charming stranger and the unnerving sense that stories might be bleeding into real life. A short, intensely romantic tale for anyone who has ever fallen in love with books… and perhaps with something not entirely of this world.
Emma V. Leech is the award-winning author of multiple bestselling series across Regency romance, Regency mystery and paranormal romance. Fall in love with swoon-worthy rogues, bold heroines, witty banter and deeply romantic happily-ever-afters. Follow Emma on BookBub for new releases and exclusive deals.
EMMA’S BOOKS
Rogues And Gentlemen
Regency romance – 17-book series (ongoing)
Sexy, tumultuous and irresistibly romantic. From pirates and smugglers to earls and dukes, these unforgettable rogues will sweep you away!
Winter Rogue
A Regency Christmas romance within the Rogues & Gentlemen world
A scandal-weary earl, a runaway heiress and a crumbling country estate snowed in for Christmas. A sensual, heart-tugging holiday novella about redemption, desire and a love neither of them expects.
A Rogues and Gentlemen Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
A collection of three romantic holiday stories featuring beloved Rogues & Gentlemen characters. Expect snowstorms, sizzling tension, unexpected proposals, mistletoe moments and heart-melting happily-ever-afters – a cosy festive escape for Regency romance lovers.
The Girl Is Not For Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
Miss Olivia Penrose is the only thing standing between her family and ruin when a brooding aristocrat crashes into her carefully laid plans. Sparks fly amid family secrets, snowy scandals and irresistible festive longing in this passionate, witty and deeply romantic winter read.
Girls Who Dare
Regency romance – 12-book series
Inside every wallflower is the heart of a lioness. When these overlooked young women make a pact to change their lives, rules are broken, reputations are risked and love becomes the most daring adventure of all.
Daring Daughters
Victorian romance – 19-book series and two compilations
The next generation of the Girls Who Dare. Their mothers risked everything for love – now their daughters are ready to be even bolder. An ongoing series of fiercely romantic stories set in a rapidly changing world.
Wicked Sons
Victorian romance – 12-book series
Their mothers dared all for love. Their sisters did the same. Now it’s the sons’ turn… dangerous, tempting and determined not to fall – until the right woman brings them to their knees.
The Venturesome Ladies Of Little Valentine
Regency romance – my current series
A quiet seaside village, a wave of scandalous newcomers and local ladies who refuse to be swept aside. A warm, witty Regency series full of secrets, second chances and delicious enemies-to-lovers romance.
The Regency Romance Mysteries
Regency romantic suspense – 3-book series
Dashing heroes, wicked villains, murder, mystery – and heroines who refuse to sit prettily and wait to be rescued. Perfect if you like your Regency romance served with danger and intrigue.
The French Vampire Legend
Paranormal romance – 4-book series
A dark, dramatic and heart-wrenching tale of courage, sacrifice and a love that not even time, war or monsters can destroy. Gothic atmosphere, high stakes and a romance that refuses to die.
The French Fae Legend
Fantasy romance – 4-book series
An award-winning saga with close to sixteen million online reads. Moving between modern-day France and the Fae Lands, these books weave powerful magic, danger and an all-consuming love that proves stronger than any enchantment.
The Book Lover
A standalone paranormal romance novella
A book-obsessed young woman, an infuriatingly charming stranger and the unnerving sense that stories might be bleeding into real life. A short, intensely romantic tale for anyone who has ever fallen in love with books… and perhaps with something not entirely of this world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
November 20, 2019
Some spoilers below.
This was a disappointment. It’s not as disappointing as Silent Melody which has the worst two character betrayals ever, but still. Fictionally speaking a damaged bad boy can be tempting and fun to read. This was one damaged and pretty charming under the skin, but the heroine fell short in both her character and her redemption of the hero. She was just too perfect and way, way too tolerant of his idiosyncrasies and broodiness. Even in a fictional romance set in a fictional version of the Regency era it didn’t ring true.
Premise is the H is damaged because his mother committed suicide because of his father and his father committed suicide right in front of the ten year old hero, but not before extorting a lifelong plan of revenge on the H of the first book. H has been the supposed villain in past books, but apparently has a secret heart of gold.
Crecy who was nice and quirky in the last book (she liked to cure wounded and damaged creatures and would have been a vet if allowed) stumbled into Mary Sue territory if Mary Sue.
Her favorite book is Frankenstein as she cries over the monster; she never bats an eye at the hero’s gruff pushing her away, she’s understanding when he whisks her away to France after she becomes pregnant but doesn’t marry her. It’s still the Regency!!!! Nobody is that understanding.
It’s still a good read, but my expectations were too high.
Charming epilogue though with the hero and his daughter having tea together.
This was a disappointment. It’s not as disappointing as Silent Melody which has the worst two character betrayals ever, but still. Fictionally speaking a damaged bad boy can be tempting and fun to read. This was one damaged and pretty charming under the skin, but the heroine fell short in both her character and her redemption of the hero. She was just too perfect and way, way too tolerant of his idiosyncrasies and broodiness. Even in a fictional romance set in a fictional version of the Regency era it didn’t ring true.
Premise is the H is damaged because his mother committed suicide because of his father and his father committed suicide right in front of the ten year old hero, but not before extorting a lifelong plan of revenge on the H of the first book. H has been the supposed villain in past books, but apparently has a secret heart of gold.
Crecy who was nice and quirky in the last book (she liked to cure wounded and damaged creatures and would have been a vet if allowed) stumbled into Mary Sue territory if Mary Sue.
Her favorite book is Frankenstein as she cries over the monster; she never bats an eye at the hero’s gruff pushing her away, she’s understanding when he whisks her away to France after she becomes pregnant but doesn’t marry her. It’s still the Regency!!!! Nobody is that understanding.
It’s still a good read, but my expectations were too high.
Charming epilogue though with the hero and his daughter having tea together.
July 16, 2022
I want to say that I loved this book. Why not a 5* then....well it could have been written in any period of time not just Regency. Some of the actions would never have been tolerated at that time. The premise is that Crecy meets Gabriel at age 12 and begins writing to him for years with no idea if the letters and gifts are opened. Then they finally meet. I would say both characters are on the autism spectrum (not sure about Crecy but she is different). Crecy is positive and intuitive regarding Gabriel. The interactions are wonderful to read and at times a bit heartbreaking.
July 30, 2022
3.5 stars (I was in the mood for something different)
I loved the dedication and the love the heroine had for the hero, never giving up on him. He was a lonely and hard man and her friendship, one-sided letters, and gifts to him over the years served as a tiny beacon of light in his dark world. Even when he said things to push her away, she knew he didn't mean them and was just trying to scare her away. I enjoyed watching him deny his feelings and fall for her. It was heartbreaking at times. Poor man deserves to be loved after what he went through at the age of 10. 😭😭😭
This was a nice change for me as I had been in a book slump lately. The characters were away from society (in the country). There was only one ball scene. The H/h spent a lot of time together (meeting secretly) and shared many kisses. *sighs* There was one full love scene, which I thought also showed the emotional connection between the two. The heroine's outspoken, not afraid to ask for a kiss and say unladylike things, which made me chuckle at times. (Some readers might be turned off by the anachronistic language and behaviors but I was fine with it this time.) The hero's considered mad, has OCD tendencies, and hears his dead father's voice in his head. The second half wasn’t as interesting as the first half, so it kind of dragged, but I was happy that they both got their HEA, especially Gabriel (the hero).
The heroine’s older sister’s marriage was a side plot and I believe she is the heroine in the previous book. So the two books must have taken place at the same time.
This is my first book by this author. I’m sure I’ll be checking out the other books in this series.
Trigger warning: suicide, suicidal thoughts,
I loved the dedication and the love the heroine had for the hero, never giving up on him. He was a lonely and hard man and her friendship, one-sided letters, and gifts to him over the years served as a tiny beacon of light in his dark world. Even when he said things to push her away, she knew he didn't mean them and was just trying to scare her away. I enjoyed watching him deny his feelings and fall for her. It was heartbreaking at times. Poor man deserves to be loved after what he went through at the age of 10. 😭😭😭
This was a nice change for me as I had been in a book slump lately. The characters were away from society (in the country). There was only one ball scene. The H/h spent a lot of time together (meeting secretly) and shared many kisses. *sighs* There was one full love scene, which I thought also showed the emotional connection between the two. The heroine's outspoken, not afraid to ask for a kiss and say unladylike things, which made me chuckle at times. (Some readers might be turned off by the anachronistic language and behaviors but I was fine with it this time.) The hero's considered mad, has OCD tendencies, and hears his dead father's voice in his head. The second half wasn’t as interesting as the first half, so it kind of dragged, but I was happy that they both got their HEA, especially Gabriel (the hero).
The heroine’s older sister’s marriage was a side plot and I believe she is the heroine in the previous book. So the two books must have taken place at the same time.
This is my first book by this author. I’m sure I’ll be checking out the other books in this series.
Trigger warning: suicide, suicidal thoughts,
January 18, 2019
True Obsession💘💔💘💔💘
Beautiful but eccentric bluestocking, Crecy, grows up on an estate owned by wealthy relatives. It's next door to another large estate where Gabriel, a young man about ten years older than she lives. The first time she sees him at 12, she knows he is destined to be hers.
Viscount Gabriel is a young man who has seen the worst thing possible as a boy. His overly possessive father drove his mother mad with loneliness, so she cheated on him once with Lord Winterborne while he was away. When he returned, he found out and nearly beat her to death, then left to confront Winterborne for taking his wife, his possession!
After a fight, Gabriel's father returned home, but Gabriel's mother had slit her wrists. Free of his tyrannical rule at last. Young Gabriel found his mother dead in her trashed room. When his father found her, he killed himself, never caring that he left a five-year old son all alone.
Gabriel grew up a dark and obsessed adult. Because the deaths of his parents were totally beyond his control, he took an obsessive and mentally sick control of his own life and actions. He is obsessed with the number three, and with cleanliness, and order. Everything and every object has a place it must be put in, exactly and neatly.
All this time, Crecy, his Young neighbor, has been writing to him since she was 12 years old, and sending him an odd gift every year in his birthday. He has every gift arranged in a drawer in order. For some reason they comfort him. He has saved every letter she has ever written to him, but he never answers. When they meet again, Crecy is now a young woman, and he tells her he has burned them all without reading them. Crecy knows he is lying.
Gabriel feels himself so dark and broken, he does what he
can to discourage Crecy. He doesn't tell her of his ongoing plans and endeavors to destroy the current Lord Winterborne.
Can Crecy hope to bring Gabriel back into a normal life? She never gives up!
Great book! What a dark tale of obsessive behavior and obsession!
Beautiful but eccentric bluestocking, Crecy, grows up on an estate owned by wealthy relatives. It's next door to another large estate where Gabriel, a young man about ten years older than she lives. The first time she sees him at 12, she knows he is destined to be hers.
Viscount Gabriel is a young man who has seen the worst thing possible as a boy. His overly possessive father drove his mother mad with loneliness, so she cheated on him once with Lord Winterborne while he was away. When he returned, he found out and nearly beat her to death, then left to confront Winterborne for taking his wife, his possession!
After a fight, Gabriel's father returned home, but Gabriel's mother had slit her wrists. Free of his tyrannical rule at last. Young Gabriel found his mother dead in her trashed room. When his father found her, he killed himself, never caring that he left a five-year old son all alone.
Gabriel grew up a dark and obsessed adult. Because the deaths of his parents were totally beyond his control, he took an obsessive and mentally sick control of his own life and actions. He is obsessed with the number three, and with cleanliness, and order. Everything and every object has a place it must be put in, exactly and neatly.
All this time, Crecy, his Young neighbor, has been writing to him since she was 12 years old, and sending him an odd gift every year in his birthday. He has every gift arranged in a drawer in order. For some reason they comfort him. He has saved every letter she has ever written to him, but he never answers. When they meet again, Crecy is now a young woman, and he tells her he has burned them all without reading them. Crecy knows he is lying.
Gabriel feels himself so dark and broken, he does what he
can to discourage Crecy. He doesn't tell her of his ongoing plans and endeavors to destroy the current Lord Winterborne.
Can Crecy hope to bring Gabriel back into a normal life? She never gives up!
Great book! What a dark tale of obsessive behavior and obsession!
Want to read
January 9, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/9/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
Lucretia ‘Crecy’ Holbrook has a secret, a secret she has kept for many years. Even her dearest confident and sister, Belle, would not understand what Crecy is prepared to do, the risks she is prepared to take, to get her heart’s desire.
For Crecy is not like the other smiling débutantes; she despises poetry, thinks dancing a chore and is quite prepared to throw something at the next fool to compare her to Aphrodite.
Far more likely to return from a country walk with a badger’s skull and some bloody, injured creature than a posy of wildflowers, Crecy is drawn to the dark, the damaged, and the unlovable.
Her heart longs for one man alone, one with a wounded soul, one so dreadfully damaged that even her tender care might not be enough to save him.
Viscount Demorte is everything she dreams of.
With a reputation that covers blackmail, murder and madness, cruelly handsome Lord Gabriel Greyston, Viscount Demorte, is far more dangerous than any wounded dog, and his bite … just might leave Crecy ruined beyond repair.
Blurb:
Lucretia ‘Crecy’ Holbrook has a secret, a secret she has kept for many years. Even her dearest confident and sister, Belle, would not understand what Crecy is prepared to do, the risks she is prepared to take, to get her heart’s desire.
For Crecy is not like the other smiling débutantes; she despises poetry, thinks dancing a chore and is quite prepared to throw something at the next fool to compare her to Aphrodite.
Far more likely to return from a country walk with a badger’s skull and some bloody, injured creature than a posy of wildflowers, Crecy is drawn to the dark, the damaged, and the unlovable.
Her heart longs for one man alone, one with a wounded soul, one so dreadfully damaged that even her tender care might not be enough to save him.
Viscount Demorte is everything she dreams of.
With a reputation that covers blackmail, murder and madness, cruelly handsome Lord Gabriel Greyston, Viscount Demorte, is far more dangerous than any wounded dog, and his bite … just might leave Crecy ruined beyond repair.
August 16, 2020
An excellent read with two very different yet equally fascinating main characters. Gabriel and Crecy’s story is powerfully moving in places and stunningly dark in others. The back story for Gabriel was horrendous and Crecy’s determination to love him And prove to him that he deserved to be happy was astonishing. A very different story to the usual run of the mill Regencies. This author is really good and produces flowing prose, great dialogue and amazing plots!
November 1, 2019
I enjoyed this book. It had me crying at the end.
April 3, 2018
4.5 stars
This book was so much better than the previous book. The hero was so broken and damaged and Crecy never gave up on him. Her love was so strong.
Loved every moment of their story.
He wanted the best for her.He knew he was misunderstood and hated by all but he realised that there were some people who always stood by him and understood the real him and they would never give up on him,even when he gave up on himself.
Climax was heart wrenching but Crecy's love conquered all.
This book was so much better than the previous book. The hero was so broken and damaged and Crecy never gave up on him. Her love was so strong.
Loved every moment of their story.
He wanted the best for her.He knew he was misunderstood and hated by all but he realised that there were some people who always stood by him and understood the real him and they would never give up on him,even when he gave up on himself.
Climax was heart wrenching but Crecy's love conquered all.
May 3, 2022
Handkerchief or Tissue recommended
Is anyone truly past redemption? The Viscount Demorte certainly isn't according to Crecy.
This book was a remarkable journey of a heroine who loved completely and did not give up and a deeply troubled hero.
I cried real tears!
Is anyone truly past redemption? The Viscount Demorte certainly isn't according to Crecy.
This book was a remarkable journey of a heroine who loved completely and did not give up and a deeply troubled hero.
I cried real tears!
June 2, 2018
On the outside, this might seem like your usual "quirky girl saves a black soul" but it's much more than that. While the preceding book in the series dealt with PTSD, this one deals with childhood trauma and OCD. Gabriel's OCD was well done and it was never shamed or laughed at (and having OCD myself I appreciated how it was handled) and while some "dark" parts of his past turned out not to be so dark (it IS a romance novel after all), some remained questionable, making him a complex character that really grew on me. While all this sounds very gloomy, the book strikes a good balance between a more lighthearted romance and serious issues. Crecy is adorable and has a good head on her shoulders. She was a pleasure to read.
My only complain (if even) is that the pacing slowed down after the first half of the book. Emma V. Leech's writing is wonderful as always (I don't usually read pure romances anymore, but I enjoy her prose and I'll try whatever she writes), and I can't wait to read the next book in the series. (You do not need to read the previous book to enjoy this one, although I recommend you do, as I also really enjoyed that one.)
CW: suicide, suicidal thoughts, violence against women (in dialogue exposition about the past and not done by hero, not shown, no rapes).
My only complain (if even) is that the pacing slowed down after the first half of the book. Emma V. Leech's writing is wonderful as always (I don't usually read pure romances anymore, but I enjoy her prose and I'll try whatever she writes), and I can't wait to read the next book in the series. (You do not need to read the previous book to enjoy this one, although I recommend you do, as I also really enjoyed that one.)
CW: suicide, suicidal thoughts, violence against women (in dialogue exposition about the past and not done by hero, not shown, no rapes).
September 19, 2025
Probably the best book I’ve read from this author.
My only gripe was with the H. He was tormented all the way to the Epilogue. Not that it goes away completely but it’s better. I just wished that we could’ve seen the couple together happier a lot sooner.
My only gripe was with the H. He was tormented all the way to the Epilogue. Not that it goes away completely but it’s better. I just wished that we could’ve seen the couple together happier a lot sooner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2022
Loved this odd couple and their quirks, and how the world became easier to navigate once they are together. As a young girl, she did something so wonderful for him. They meet again as adults and become lovers. It's OTT sweet angst and I really enjoyed it.
January 26, 2019
“‘I’ll ruin everything. I’ll do it on purpose.’
As warnings went, it was stark and to the point, and yet he should not have been surprised when she clutched at his lapels and stood on her toes, pressing her mouth to his…”
Good grief this was a good book! It’s not as light as most historical romances I’ve read lately; the hero had some serious problems, which the author didn’t skirt around. But it was such a wonderful story of life-long obsession and loyalty, self-sacrifice, and unconditional love. Crecy is a generally happy girl with a chipper personality who is nevertheless drawn to the dark and morbid. In other words, a heroine after my own heart :). I loved how kind and patient she was with Gabriel. And the ending just slayed me; it was so cute. I know it’s only January, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this turns out to be one of the best romances I read all year. Or maybe ever. Crecy and Gabriel forever!
As warnings went, it was stark and to the point, and yet he should not have been surprised when she clutched at his lapels and stood on her toes, pressing her mouth to his…”
Good grief this was a good book! It’s not as light as most historical romances I’ve read lately; the hero had some serious problems, which the author didn’t skirt around. But it was such a wonderful story of life-long obsession and loyalty, self-sacrifice, and unconditional love. Crecy is a generally happy girl with a chipper personality who is nevertheless drawn to the dark and morbid. In other words, a heroine after my own heart :). I loved how kind and patient she was with Gabriel. And the ending just slayed me; it was so cute. I know it’s only January, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this turns out to be one of the best romances I read all year. Or maybe ever. Crecy and Gabriel forever!
April 24, 2020
A complex hero - well done!
I do like it when the hero has lots of complex layers such as Gabriel, with his dark, mysterious reputation. Crecy realises that he is so similar to a frightened, wounded animal who snarls and bites if someone approaches them and is determined to heal and take him. After all she has loved him since she was 12 years old.
Gabriel's obsessive behaviour is a challenge and so is the voice of his father inside his head, with the demands he made of a terrified 10 year old boy before he shot himself in front of him.
Crecy is a disordered, unconventional woman who inveigles herself into his well ordered, obsessive,mad, lonely world.
This has been my favourite book in the series apart from Flaming June which I had read out of order. Hero's with afflictions which we think are part of our modern world must have appeared as madness in the 19th century. How many were locked away?
I do like it when the hero has lots of complex layers such as Gabriel, with his dark, mysterious reputation. Crecy realises that he is so similar to a frightened, wounded animal who snarls and bites if someone approaches them and is determined to heal and take him. After all she has loved him since she was 12 years old.
Gabriel's obsessive behaviour is a challenge and so is the voice of his father inside his head, with the demands he made of a terrified 10 year old boy before he shot himself in front of him.
Crecy is a disordered, unconventional woman who inveigles herself into his well ordered, obsessive,mad, lonely world.
This has been my favourite book in the series apart from Flaming June which I had read out of order. Hero's with afflictions which we think are part of our modern world must have appeared as madness in the 19th century. How many were locked away?
March 28, 2018
Historical is my least favourite genre so when I come across a book that has be turning the pages eagerly and hoping it never ends I can’t help but shout to the rooftops about its awesomeness! This is soooo one of these books.
It deals with many sensitive issues in such a way your heart bleeds for the characters. One for her battle to convince him he is a worthy amazing man and secondly for him who went through so much as a child and who struggles daily with issues. Towards the end please ensure you have tissues to hand.
The story of a stubborn woman with values ahead of her time, a man who’s stuck in his past and struggling in his present. A love that fights to be. You really, really couldn’t ask for more.
It deals with many sensitive issues in such a way your heart bleeds for the characters. One for her battle to convince him he is a worthy amazing man and secondly for him who went through so much as a child and who struggles daily with issues. Towards the end please ensure you have tissues to hand.
The story of a stubborn woman with values ahead of her time, a man who’s stuck in his past and struggling in his present. A love that fights to be. You really, really couldn’t ask for more.
April 13, 2020
A recency happy ever after with a hero with OCD. Loved it☺
July 10, 2022
A hero with OCD and a neurodivergent (IMO) heroine. A great tale of their romance . I really enjoyed it
May 18, 2019
A truly wonderful book!
Talk about a tortured hero. WOW! My heart broke for him. The author must have OCD or is close to someone who is because she described it perfectly!
This author is amazing. This is the third book I have read and each one has a unique H/h and a very unusual plot line. Yes, many authors have tortured hero's but this is by far the best one ever. He is trying to do his best but the OCD is definitely controlling him and keeping him from having a good life.
The heroine had such love and patience. She was amazing but she wasn't without problems of her own. She would have been a square peg in a round no matter what age she had lived in.
The HEA was very fulfilling. I could definitely read this book several more times.
Talk about a tortured hero. WOW! My heart broke for him. The author must have OCD or is close to someone who is because she described it perfectly!
This author is amazing. This is the third book I have read and each one has a unique H/h and a very unusual plot line. Yes, many authors have tortured hero's but this is by far the best one ever. He is trying to do his best but the OCD is definitely controlling him and keeping him from having a good life.
The heroine had such love and patience. She was amazing but she wasn't without problems of her own. She would have been a square peg in a round no matter what age she had lived in.
The HEA was very fulfilling. I could definitely read this book several more times.
December 13, 2019
All the feels!!!
This is an incredibly emotional book that made my heart hurt in different ways. Gabriel was the epitome of tortured hero. He can be cruel and aloof but his personality and attitude are totally understandable because of his traumatic childhood. Cressy, on the other hand, is his complete opposite. She didn't seem to have a great childhood (a bit glossed over but that's my understanding) but she hasn't let that shape her. While I normally dislike my historical h's to be so forward and flouting of society's regulations, I loved how she was written. Because that's exactly what Gabriel needed. This really was Gabriel's book. His journey, his personal development. And I loved every bit of it.
This is an incredibly emotional book that made my heart hurt in different ways. Gabriel was the epitome of tortured hero. He can be cruel and aloof but his personality and attitude are totally understandable because of his traumatic childhood. Cressy, on the other hand, is his complete opposite. She didn't seem to have a great childhood (a bit glossed over but that's my understanding) but she hasn't let that shape her. While I normally dislike my historical h's to be so forward and flouting of society's regulations, I loved how she was written. Because that's exactly what Gabriel needed. This really was Gabriel's book. His journey, his personal development. And I loved every bit of it.
December 15, 2019
4 1/2 stars, great series
I sort of landed in the middle of this series. Of the few I have read, I am quite impressed. This story has a strong heroine who is compassionate, charming and beautiful. At times she is a bit on the Mary Sue side, but I still liked her very much. The hero is an empathetic character. He is considered insane and evil by many, but the author lets the reader inside his head to see that, while he is broken, he is also noble and vulnerable. I thought there were times his thoughts verged on self pitying, but otherwise I was cheering him on all the way. There is some humor, which I always appreciate, and the quality of the writing is quite good. I really enjoyed this.
I sort of landed in the middle of this series. Of the few I have read, I am quite impressed. This story has a strong heroine who is compassionate, charming and beautiful. At times she is a bit on the Mary Sue side, but I still liked her very much. The hero is an empathetic character. He is considered insane and evil by many, but the author lets the reader inside his head to see that, while he is broken, he is also noble and vulnerable. I thought there were times his thoughts verged on self pitying, but otherwise I was cheering him on all the way. There is some humor, which I always appreciate, and the quality of the writing is quite good. I really enjoyed this.
February 21, 2020
Troublesome
This book was amazing!! Ms. Leech showed a character that had a disorder that no one heard of and was considered mad. But actuality he wasn't mad he had a disorder. He needed someone to understand him and not judge him. Crecy is the right person for Gabriel. I rushed book 6 so I can read this book. I couldn't put the book down! I was talking to the book, I almost cried!
I judged Gabriel like everyone else, but reading this book I understood him and wanted to get to know him more.
I love me some Crecy! I'm not sure any heroine can come close to her! On to the next book!
This book was amazing!! Ms. Leech showed a character that had a disorder that no one heard of and was considered mad. But actuality he wasn't mad he had a disorder. He needed someone to understand him and not judge him. Crecy is the right person for Gabriel. I rushed book 6 so I can read this book. I couldn't put the book down! I was talking to the book, I almost cried!
I judged Gabriel like everyone else, but reading this book I understood him and wanted to get to know him more.
I love me some Crecy! I'm not sure any heroine can come close to her! On to the next book!
May 6, 2020
Heroine was a bit boring in the second half. Infact the entire book could do without the last few chapters post the whole 'I didn't know the woman I slept with is my arch nemesis wife's sister, so I'll go batshit crazy' portion.
Also I resented the way the author potrayed how the hero dealt with anxiety and OCD, at the end trying to commit suicide by holding a gun to his head. Not everyone with OCD has to die to cure their problems but that was shown after the Heroine interrupted his suicide and miraculously he didn't want to die anymore. *Sigh
As someone living with anxiety issues and OCD that whole part depressed me a bit
Also I resented the way the author potrayed how the hero dealt with anxiety and OCD, at the end trying to commit suicide by holding a gun to his head. Not everyone with OCD has to die to cure their problems but that was shown after the Heroine interrupted his suicide and miraculously he didn't want to die anymore. *Sigh
As someone living with anxiety issues and OCD that whole part depressed me a bit
October 14, 2022
Very emotional book. Again Ms. Leech is able to bring understanding and compassion to a character suffering from OCD arising out of terrible childhood. It is wonderful what she has done. The love story is beautiful and redemption from sorrow and loneliness possible for our hero. It is great that the hero of Flaming June/ Henry and Gabriel become good friends.
August 3, 2018
Nothing new
Too much repeated from the last book with very similar tortured souls for male leads. Hopefully the next book in the series will be fresh.
Too much repeated from the last book with very similar tortured souls for male leads. Hopefully the next book in the series will be fresh.
May 29, 2019
Disappointed
October 30, 2022
Loved it! I think this is my favourite Emma V. Leech book ever.
January 5, 2024
For the sake of my peace of mind and my enjoyment of the book, and since we don't actually know the precise age of the hero, I will pretend that the MCs' age gap is a healthy, appropriate, acceptable one.
Only under that pretense can I freely admit how much I love this book, because I do. There is nothing I love more than the childhood friends to lovers trope, though that is a loosely applied archetype to this story. Crecy was an odd child with a fascination for all things unladylike; Gabriel was seen as a fearsome monster when in reality he was just a misunderstood man with .
If there's one thing you must know about me, it should be that two-lonely-souls-saving-each-other is my jam. And God if that wasn't true in this book. Crecy wasn't necessarily lonely; she had a sister whom she loved very much. But nobody had ever understood her, and in her Gabriel, however, was a true loner that made my heart ache. Nobody understood him except Crecy. Nobody was willing to see him for who he was except Crecy. Nobody knew the torture he had been suffering under for years except Crecy. Thus, when she finally descended into his life - in the flesh this time, it was mutual saving in the best way. Gabriel opened up like never before. He was finally allowed a chance at life to be childish, to be emotional, to be himself in a way he was never allowed to. I love, love, love Crecy for being unwilling to let him withdraw into himself or let him scare her away. She was brazen, bold, and uncaring of what life had to say if life were to shun her for her association with Gabriel. It's so heartwarming to see a heroine who was willing to sacrifice everything for the man she loved when it was often the opposite that was portrayed in romance.
The last few chapters of this book broke me. I actually cried seeing Gabriel's suffering and I've never hated a fictional character more than I hated . How could nobody see how selfless he was? How could nobody see how much he suffered? But I'm so, so glad that they got their happy ending, that Crecy wasn't willing to give up, that she had enough strength for both of them. And I love it so much that Emma V. Leech showed her audience that though their love was strong and selfless, it wasn't a miracle cure to everything in life. However, it was okay. They had each other to find comfort in, to know that when they fall, their other half will be there to catch them.
Only under that pretense can I freely admit how much I love this book, because I do. There is nothing I love more than the childhood friends to lovers trope, though that is a loosely applied archetype to this story. Crecy was an odd child with a fascination for all things unladylike; Gabriel was seen as a fearsome monster when in reality he was just a misunderstood man with .
If there's one thing you must know about me, it should be that two-lonely-souls-saving-each-other is my jam. And God if that wasn't true in this book. Crecy wasn't necessarily lonely; she had a sister whom she loved very much. But nobody had ever understood her, and in her Gabriel, however, was a true loner that made my heart ache. Nobody understood him except Crecy. Nobody was willing to see him for who he was except Crecy. Nobody knew the torture he had been suffering under for years except Crecy. Thus, when she finally descended into his life - in the flesh this time, it was mutual saving in the best way. Gabriel opened up like never before. He was finally allowed a chance at life to be childish, to be emotional, to be himself in a way he was never allowed to. I love, love, love Crecy for being unwilling to let him withdraw into himself or let him scare her away. She was brazen, bold, and uncaring of what life had to say if life were to shun her for her association with Gabriel. It's so heartwarming to see a heroine who was willing to sacrifice everything for the man she loved when it was often the opposite that was portrayed in romance.
The last few chapters of this book broke me. I actually cried seeing Gabriel's suffering and I've never hated a fictional character more than I hated . How could nobody see how selfless he was? How could nobody see how much he suffered? But I'm so, so glad that they got their happy ending, that Crecy wasn't willing to give up, that she had enough strength for both of them. And I love it so much that Emma V. Leech showed her audience that though their love was strong and selfless, it wasn't a miracle cure to everything in life. However, it was okay. They had each other to find comfort in, to know that when they fall, their other half will be there to catch them.
January 6, 2024
First off, I did not finish the first book in which the MMC appeared as the antagonist/villain - I just could not get into it to save my life for some reason.
So the only information I had about the MMC was that he was a villain and was attempting to have his cousin assassinated before it came out that he was actually alive, and also trying to force his other cousin to marry him or something.
Even then, there was something about him that I was like, I can't see this dude getting redeemed, but there's something about him, idk.
Had NO idea until the end of the previous book, One Wicked Winter, that it was even a possibility and even still I was like... Dudeface? Really, she's (Crecy, or whatever)
So the only information I had about the MMC was that he was a villain and was attempting to have his cousin assassinated before it came out that he was actually alive, and also trying to force his other cousin to marry him or something.
Even then, there was something about him that I was like, I can't see this dude getting redeemed, but there's something about him, idk.
Had NO idea until the end of the previous book, One Wicked Winter, that it was even a possibility and even still I was like... Dudeface? Really, she's (Crecy, or whatever)
May 8, 2019
Hades and Persephone or Beauty and the Beast
Why does the light love the dark? Because everyone has dusk in their souls. The best characters good or bad are more neutral than absolute. Cresy, not my favourite name for a main character but certainly unique. Luci I feel would have been a better nickname derived from Lucretia. Cresy sees to the heart of Gabriel from the beginning. She doesn't see the snarling beast rather the wounds the cause the pain. And Gabriel is one of the best examples of a wounded hero that I have ever read. His pain is not fake, it is realistic in a way that few writers ever know let alone write about. JR Ward has a wounded her named Z that was probably the best I've ever read--Gabriel is better. He is haunted and broken in the most human way possible. Most folks at the level of haunted and broken he resides at attempt to run from their demons and escape reality. We are sometimes too cowardly and scared that if we face the darkness, and stare at the abyss, we will be consumed by it--never realizing we are spreading darkness as we run away. But Gabriel lives with his demons and dwells in the darkness because that is the only way he knows. Til Cresy shows him how to fight them and how to win. He doesn't make a miraculous recovery but he does get better. And that to me is a more beautiful story than the typical perfect resolution portrayed in books, tv and movies because it is real. No magic wand or quick fix but fighting everyday; winning the important battles and forgiving yourself for losing sometimes. It's a beautiful story that is told with truth.
Why does the light love the dark? Because everyone has dusk in their souls. The best characters good or bad are more neutral than absolute. Cresy, not my favourite name for a main character but certainly unique. Luci I feel would have been a better nickname derived from Lucretia. Cresy sees to the heart of Gabriel from the beginning. She doesn't see the snarling beast rather the wounds the cause the pain. And Gabriel is one of the best examples of a wounded hero that I have ever read. His pain is not fake, it is realistic in a way that few writers ever know let alone write about. JR Ward has a wounded her named Z that was probably the best I've ever read--Gabriel is better. He is haunted and broken in the most human way possible. Most folks at the level of haunted and broken he resides at attempt to run from their demons and escape reality. We are sometimes too cowardly and scared that if we face the darkness, and stare at the abyss, we will be consumed by it--never realizing we are spreading darkness as we run away. But Gabriel lives with his demons and dwells in the darkness because that is the only way he knows. Til Cresy shows him how to fight them and how to win. He doesn't make a miraculous recovery but he does get better. And that to me is a more beautiful story than the typical perfect resolution portrayed in books, tv and movies because it is real. No magic wand or quick fix but fighting everyday; winning the important battles and forgiving yourself for losing sometimes. It's a beautiful story that is told with truth.
January 6, 2019
The best one yet
I was intrigued by Lucretia ever since reading "One Wicked Winter " as she reminded me so much of myself, minus the golden hair and Aphrodite-incarnate looks. Like her, I never cared much for appearances...
I've been aching to learn more about her and Gabriel and couldn't wait to buy To Tame a Savage Heart. Finally, able to save up some extra and devoured this book in one night.
Not only did Crecy reminded me of myself, but Gabriel's brokenness reminded me of my husband. Though not as gory as DeMorte's past, pain is pain and hurt people do hurtful things.
I think this is the best one yet (though I know things will only get better from here). The dedication and love Ms. Emma has for the growth of her characters is nothing short of sublime.
That being said, I know this story won't be for everyone. Not everyone is ready to deal with brokenness or maybe they have and don't want to be reminded of it in their leisure time. But this one is for me... And for those like me... Those who know who they want to be with, regardless of the cost, the pain or the time it would take.
Been married for almost 3 years but have been with my husband for 15years and even now there are moments when he would push me away or incessantly apologize, afraid to be like his father who abandoned them.
This story was raw and true. To all the DeMorte's, Crecys like us exist. To fellow Crecys, hold fast for we know they're worth it.
This book has my heart... Like the Dark Prince (also by the same author)
I was intrigued by Lucretia ever since reading "One Wicked Winter " as she reminded me so much of myself, minus the golden hair and Aphrodite-incarnate looks. Like her, I never cared much for appearances...
I've been aching to learn more about her and Gabriel and couldn't wait to buy To Tame a Savage Heart. Finally, able to save up some extra and devoured this book in one night.
Not only did Crecy reminded me of myself, but Gabriel's brokenness reminded me of my husband. Though not as gory as DeMorte's past, pain is pain and hurt people do hurtful things.
I think this is the best one yet (though I know things will only get better from here). The dedication and love Ms. Emma has for the growth of her characters is nothing short of sublime.
That being said, I know this story won't be for everyone. Not everyone is ready to deal with brokenness or maybe they have and don't want to be reminded of it in their leisure time. But this one is for me... And for those like me... Those who know who they want to be with, regardless of the cost, the pain or the time it would take.
Been married for almost 3 years but have been with my husband for 15years and even now there are moments when he would push me away or incessantly apologize, afraid to be like his father who abandoned them.
This story was raw and true. To all the DeMorte's, Crecys like us exist. To fellow Crecys, hold fast for we know they're worth it.
This book has my heart... Like the Dark Prince (also by the same author)
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